Omega Seamaster Watch Quartz Professional 200m 'Pre Bond' 396.1041

SPECIFICATION

Reference : 396.1041
Movement : Calibre 1438 
Age : Circa 1988
Case Size : 40mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 44mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : used omega watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel with 18k bezel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In good condition, with some signs of wear from use
• Case and bezel have some scratches and marks
• Bezel insert shows signs of age
• New battery fitted
• 18K gold bezel
• 18k gold capped crown
• Paired with its original intergraded Omega signed stainless steel full bracelet with dive extension which will fit up to a 7.5 inch wrist 

The De-Ville idea was introduced in 1960 but not as an independent line, it took until 1963 that the De-Ville signature for the first time appears on an Omega dial. And finally in 1967 the De-Ville becomes its own collection, its own page in the Omega catalogue.

THE WATCH

The 396.1041 is a full-size quartz version of the Seamaster 200M, featuring a 40mm stainless steel case with an integrated bracelet. It was equipped with the Omega Caliber 1438 quartz movement which is capable of + or - 10 seconds per month, The Omega Caliber 1438 offers significantly better accuracy than mechanical movements, with a typical deviation of ±10 to ±20 seconds per month. Although it was not COSC-certified, its performance is consistent with high-quality quartz standards of its era. The watch was water-resistant to 200 meters and came with either a black or champagne dial, both with luminous markers and hands. The bezel was typically stainless steel, with some models like this one featuring an 18K yellow gold bezel insert.

 A BIT OF TRIVIA

 This Seamaster 200, which is also introduced as Pre-Bond on the official page of Omega. This model was released in 1988 and was produced until 1995.

After the end of production, in 1995, James Bond attached the Seamaster 300 in the movie "007 GoldenEye" and became famous as "Bond Watch”. Because it is the model before the bond watch, it is named Pre-Bond. During the production period of about 7 years, the design of the needle has changed, and the specifications of the back cover and breath are also different, so some people are starting to collect it, and it is gradually becoming popular. The design is different from the Seamaster 300, and it is an integrated dedicated breath, so it gives an overall impression. There were two sizes, but this is a full-size model. The bezel diameter is 38 mm, the case size including the crown guard is 40 mm, and the size including the crown is 42 mm. Although it is very detailed, this is the earliest model called 1st Gen, and it is a watch with very rare specifications only about one year after its release. The features are that the hour hand is a Benz hand, the crown has 6 protrusions, and there is no sea hose on the back cover, only letters.

The Seamaster 200M 396.1041 was part of Omega's efforts to modernize its dive watch offerings in the late 1980s. It was introduced during a period when Omega was updating its designs and movements to appeal to a broader audience. The "Pre-Bond" nickname was coined by collectors, as this model preceded the Seamaster 300M that gained fame through its association with James Bond in the 1995 film GoldenEye.

 OUR THOUGHTS

The Omega Seamaster 200M 396.1041 "Pre-Bond" is a testament to Omega's design evolution in the late 20th century. While it may not have the immediate recognition of its successors, it holds a unique place in the brand's history. For collectors and enthusiasts, it offers a blend of vintage charm and Omega's renowned craftsmanship.